February Findings + Banana Chocolate Chip Oat Cookies

February. Can you think of a better month to get back into something that you stopped doing for a long time, like in my case, blogging? What's that you say, did I forget about January? Here's the deal, guys, I take January to reflect on the last year and get all things in order before I dive in again. And it just so happens that this January included packing and moving into a new apartment, so I knew getting this pretty little blog here back up and going was a distant dream.

Alas, here we are, the 8th of February and a new post is happening! Recap of things I want to do this year:
1. More yoga. I always feel so much more centered, focused and healthy when I practice, so it is one of my goals this year to make myself happy and get my yoga on. Plus, a friend of mine is my Wednesday instructor and she is the shit, so I need to make it a priority.

2. Be Intentional. This year, I will be focusing on being intentional in my friendships, relationships with my family members, my volunteer organizations and my professional life. We live in a world where we don't make time for ourselves to sit down and rest and although that is because of choices we all make, I am making the choice to carve out time for myself and others.

3. Keep my eyes open. Because sometimes I trip on the sidewalk when I close them. Just kidding, guys! Geez, I'm not that loony. But for real, I don't ever want to feel like life is passing me by. So this year, I am going all out, on everything. Get ready.

To get me started, I have for you protein energy cookies!! These little suckers were so good. They are such a great grab-and-go breakfast, snack, pre-workout or post-workout boost or easy treat to drop off to your local hotel in exchange for free coffee in the morning, and that's what I call a win.

Recipe:
2 ripe smashed bananas
2 eggs
1/2 cup applesauce
1 1/2 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup nut butter (I had smooth peanut)
1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
1/2 cup chopped cashews (or whatever nut you prefer)
2 tablespoons ground flax
1/2 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Pinch of salt
Note: I added chocolate chips and cashews to this recipe, but play with it! If you prefer dried cranberries or raisins, pecans or walnuts, add them! I would have tossed in some chia seeds if I had any in my pantry too.

Instructions:
1. Smash up the bananas, eggs and applesauce.
2. Fold in the oats followed by the nut butter.
3. Add the rest of your ingredients
4. Scoop out into about 1 1/2 inch balls of the mix and slightly flatten them onto a greased cookie sheet. I greased my sheet with coconut oil.
5. Bake for 12-15 minutes at 350 degrees.

I hope these give you the same energy kick that they gave me! Enjoy :)